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With arching, sword-shaped leaves, spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is an attractive choice for indoor hanging baskets. The species has solid green leaves, the “Vittatum” cultivar has a white central stripe, and slightly smaller “Variegatum” has white margins. Plantlets appear on stalks after 3/4-inch single white flowers go to seed. Spider plants grow as evergreen perennials in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 10 and 11. They die back in frosty weather but return in zones 8 and 9.

Propagation

You can divide spider plants or propagate them from offsets any time of the year. When the plant becomes root bound, you may need to divide the thick root mass if the container is ready to crack. Do not fertilize repotted plants for four to six months, recommends Clemson University Cooperative Extension. If the planter is stable, you can allow a spider plant to become root bound to encourage offset production. The offsets or plantlets, which usually appear during the fall, are ready for propagation when they develop roots. Detach an offset from the mother plant and dip it in water and then in rooting hormone. This prepares the offset for planting in a container filled with moist potting mix.

Soil and Water

Spider plants grow in well-draining, general-purpose potting soil with an acidic to slightly alkaline pH level between 6.0 and 7.2. Garden plants need at least 3 feet of growing space. During the summer growth period, you should check the soil every day and water regularly to keep the soil moist. The soil should dry out between waterings during the winter. Spider plants do not tolerate fluoride or salts from hard water and may benefit from watering with rainwater. Spider plants need a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer every two weeks during periods of active growth. Do not fertilize during the winter.

Light and Temperature

Light quality can affect leaf color in a spider plant. In bright, indirect light, variegated cultivars have medium to dark green leaves with white stripes. Plants in direct light may produce light green leaves with yellowish stripes, and plants in low light have drooping leaves. In a hanging basket on a patio or a few feet from a bright indoor window, a spider plant produces abundant plantlets. Avoid full afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. In a frost-free area, spider plants can grow as a ground cover in filtered sun or in a sunny spot protected from afternoon sun. They prefer daytime temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Problems

Spider plants have few pest or disease problems. Occasionally, whiteflies, scales or aphids may feed on the plants, but you can remove these tiny insects by hand. Spider plants can develop root rot in poorly draining soil and can develop brown leaf tips in dry conditions. Fluoride and salt buildup from hard water can also cause leaf browning. To flush out salts, water the plant thoroughly until the water runs through the drainage hole and repot the plant in fresh potting soil. In a frost-free area, an outdoor spider plant may crowd out other plants without a wall or other barrier.

About the Author

Judith Evans has been writing professionally since 2009, specializing in gardening and fitness articles. An avid gardener, Evans has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of New Hampshire, a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School, and a personal trainer certificate from American Fitness Professionals and Associates.